Hammond's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Northshore - Unbelievable Deals!
Hammond's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Northshore - Unbelievable Deals!
Hammond's Hidden Gem? Holiday Inn Northshore: Unbelievable Deals? (OMG, Let's See!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just wrangled my way OUT of the Holiday Inn Northshore, and I'm here to spill the tea. Or, you know, review the place. Honestly, after the last hour I'm more in the mood for a strong coffee and a therapist, but hey, gotta process this experience somehow. Let's dive in, shall we? And I'm warning you, it's going to be a messy, honest, and probably a little (okay, a lot) opinionated.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because, You Know, I Actually Tried to Look at This Seriously… a Little):
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. Honestly, they get some points here. And a big, messy sigh of relief. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Yep. Wheelchair accessible rooms? Seemed legit, though I didn't personally need one to scope it out. They even have Facilities for disabled guests listed. That’s a good start, folks! I'm assuming it was actually accessible, not just "we have a ramp that leads to the back door." That feels like a win.
Internet Access – The Modern Traveler's Crutch (and Sometimes, Nightmare):
Internet Access: Yeah, it's there. Apparently. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) and Wi-Fi in public areas. Fine. But navigating the initial log-in? A total cluster. Like, a genuine head-scratcher. I spent about 20 minutes trying to connect my laptop. Maybe I'm just a boomer with technology, but… ugh. The Internet [LAN] seemed like it was designed for a dial-up era, so I gave up. And let's not even talk about the Internet services because that feels overwhelming.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, Pandemic (and General Germophobia) Vibes:
Okay, this is where I really tried to pay attention. They're pushing the Cleanliness and safety angle HARD. Anti-viral cleaning products? Good. Daily disinfection in common areas? Promising. Rooms sanitized between stays? Fingers crossed. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Okay, cool, but does it actually smell clean? Or does it just smell like bleach masking something worse? Because, let's be honest, that's what matters.
They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which feels… weird. Like, I’m supposed to opt out of someone cleaning my hotel room? (More on that later, the "no housekeeping" option will be a new low for my patience.) Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere, which is a plus, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Good. Cashless payment service? Fine, but I still like a little cash for a nice tip in the right service (more than anything). They had Individually-wrapped food options too, which is sensible.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure… Or Possibly, the Breakdown:
Okay, here's the juicy stuff. The Restaurants listed are a good sign. The Breakfast [buffet]? A gamble, I'm guessing. They emphasize the Buffet in restaurant, which is a bold choice, and let's be honest, you can go one of two ways, depending on their choices. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" is promising, but I've been burned before. The A la carte in restaurant sounds like the only real option. Room service [24-hour]? Potentially life-saving. I'm predicting late-night pizza, or a breakdown.
The Poolside Bar? Poolside bar? Oh, now we're talking! That's where all the good memories (and maybe some bad decisions) are made.
For the Kids – Bless Their Little Hearts (and the Babysitters):
There are mentions of Family/child friendly experiences and Kids facilities. Babysitting service too, but parents will probably need some extra service after that.
Services and Conveniences- When Life Gets Complicated:
Air conditioning in public area? (Yesssss!) Concierge? Great if you need them Daily housekeeping is listed. This is a MUST, because… well, you'll see. The Elevator is a necessity, especially if you're on a higher floor and loaded up. Laundry service?? YES. It's a lifesaver when you're traveling. This is a HUGE win. Meeting/banquet facilities exist. And a convenience store.
Available in All Rooms - The Real Details That Actually Matter:
Alright, here's the big breakdown. Let's get to the rooms themselves. Air conditioning is crucial. Alarm clock, bathrobes, and bathtub? Necessary touches if you want a little luxury. Blackout curtains are a godsend. I'd even argue they're essential. Coffee/tea maker? Okay, sold. Free bottled water? That's a nice touch, especially when you are thirsty. Hair dryer? Yes, please. High floor? Depends on the view. In-room safe box? A must. Mini bar? Yay! Non-smoking rooms are vital. Private bathroom? Duh. Refrigerator? Yes! Seating area? Nice if you have space. Separate shower/bathtub? Fancy! Slippers? A plus. Smoke detector? Hopefully they work. Soundproofing? A necessity if you are going to sleep. Telephone? Still a thing. Wake-up service? A must. Wi-Fi [free]? We already talked about this.
Let's Talk About THAT Housekeeping… Or Lack Thereof:
Okay, here's is where things went south. I paid for the room. I expected basic housekeeping at least. But wait, there was a little card. "We're offering no housekeeping to save costs." NO HOUSEKEEPING?! Are you kidding me?
I spent the whole day out in the city exploring, and when I get back to the room, it's a mess. I am so annoyed with this. I felt like I was living in a dorm room.
In Conclusion (And a Deep Breath):
Overall rating: I'd rate this somewhere in the middle. It’s safe, maybe, but the "no housekeeping" is a huge downer. If you’re looking for a cheap place and don't mind roughing it a little… maybe. If you're expecting a luxurious getaway? Run. Run far, far away. I'm off to find a therapist and a good stiff drink. Cheers!
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Shell Hotel Awaits in Chuzhou, China
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a travel itinerary… slash existential crisis… slash the surprisingly cozy embrace of a Holiday Inn in Hammond, Louisiana. Prepare for the unvarnished truth, the emotional whiplash, and the likely consumption of far too much coffee. This is gonna be messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Disappointment, and the Curious Case of the Carpet
1:00 PM (ish, let's be real, who's on time?): Touchdown at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). The air practically smells of jazz and regret (okay, maybe just the swamp, but the sentiment's there). Fly-in to this lovely place called Hammond.
2:30 PM: Pick up the rental car. Sigh. This is where my "adventure" begins. The lady at the rental desk kept asking if I'd like insurance. I feel like she was judging me.
4:00 PM: Arrive at the hallowed halls of the Holiday Inn Hammond Northshore. The exterior offers a slightly faded, but familiar, charm. My initial reaction? "Yep, that's a Holiday Inn." No, I'm not gonna lie, a small part of me was hoping for a grand entrance, a gleaming lobby, something… more. But let's be honest, I am not a 5-star kind of traveler.
4:15 PM: Check-in. The desk clerk, bless her heart, has seen it all. She asks about my day, and I just smile, because honestly, my day is just beginning. She hands me my key, and I'm off to the elevator, where I discover the most perplexing of all things…carpet. The carpet in the hallway is…remarkable. It's a swirling vortex of browns and oranges, and I have to admit it is so unique. It's like the carpet itself is judging me, judging my life choices. It is a moment…
5:00 PM: Unpack. The room? Functional. The bed? Firm. The window? Offers a spectacular view of… a parking lot. Okay, I'm not gonna lie, a little bit of the initial excitement has drained away.
5:30 PM: Bathroom inspection. Everything is clean, yay! The showerhead, however, is a bit… anemic.
6:00 PM: Contemplate dinner. The options: The hotel restaurant (tempting, but probably mediocre). Something local (risky, but potentially rewarding).
6:30 PM: I decide to explore. This is where the adventure begins, again. I drive around town and end up in a Taco Bell.
7:30 PM: Taco Bell it is. I devour a crunch wrap supreme (my guilty pleasure).
8:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Gonna use coffee for later…
9:00 PM: Watch some TV, I make a mental note to make sure everything feels right.
10:00 PM: Attempt sleep. The parking lot beckons, but I drift off thinking about the carpet. That carpet…
Day 2: The Deep Dive into a Single Experience (and My Continued Relationship with the Carpet)
7:00 AM: Wake up. The parking lot is still there. Also, I have a headache, but I have a lot of coffee.
7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet. This is where I find my people.
8:00 AM: I am ready, I am focused.
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Okay, here's the real plan. I am going to commit to the one thing that really sparked my interest: I decide to explore the town. I wander, and then I discover the art pieces which seemed to be just what I needed!
1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a local joint with an amazing po'boy. The kind of place where the waitress calls you "hon" and the sweet tea is thicker than syrup. This is what I wanted. This is what I was looking for.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Shower (the anemic showerhead is still an issue), and then I decide to sit and stare out of the window.
4:30 PM: Oh, but that carpet in the hallway… Seriously, it's calling to me. I walk down the hallway, multiple times, just to experience it again. I photograph it from different angles. I start to understand it. It's bold. It's unapologetic. It's everything I'm not.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I have a craving for… pizza.
7:00 PM: I am the only one in the lobby. I love it.
8:00 PM: Back in the room. I try to write in my journal. It all felt so… normal.
9:00 PM: Another TV-watching session. I feel… I feel like I am going to be a bit lonely.
10:00 PM: Lights out. But the carpet? The carpet is still in my dreams.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Echo of the Carpet
8:00 AM: One last breakfast. The buffet is still here, and I am a little bit sad.
9:00 AM: Check out. The desk clerk is different this time. No connection. I just hand over the key, the end.
9:15 AM: One last look at the swirling brown and orange vortex of the carpet in the hallway. Goodbye, my friend. You will not be forgotten. You have shown me, more than anything else, that even in the most mundane of places, there is beauty to be found.
9:30 AM: Head to the airport (MSY). I have a smile.
11:00 AM: Back home.
11:30 AM: The trip might have not been perfect, but it was mine. And sometimes, that's all that matters. I learned a little bit about life, a little bit about myself, and a whole lot about really, really appreciating good carpet. Because you know what? That carpet was pretty darn good.
Hammond's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Northshore - The Honest Truth FAQ (and a Few Rambles)
So, is this 'Unbelievable Deals!' thing *actually* true? Am I going to get ripped off?
Okay, let's be real. "Unbelievable Deals!"? That's marketing speak, people. It’s like when your ex says “I've changed!”. *Maybe* you might find a good price, *sometimes*. I've stayed here twice. The first time? Pure fluke. We were doing a last-minute road trip and the other hotels? Yikes. This place? Surprisingly reasonable. I mean, *unbelievable* is a stretch. It wasn't *so* cheap I suspected they were running a secret portal to another dimension. But it was decent. The second time? Well... let's just say I learned to check Expedia, Booking.com, and even Hotwire *before* I booked directly. Definitely shop around. Don't just trust the banner. But, sometimes, the deals *are* decent. Just... do your homework. And hold your breath. And cross your fingers. And maybe whisper a little prayer to the hotel gods. Okay, I'm rambling. Point is: Compare prices. Don't assume "Unbelievable" equals "Free Unicorns." (Though, wouldn't that be nice?).
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they...clean-ish?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get a little… unpredictable. The first time, it was sparkling. Like, *really* clean. I was genuinely impressed. I actually (briefly) considered leaving a five-star review. Then, I saw a rogue Cheerio wedged behind the nightstand. Oh, the humanity! (kidding, but it was a tiny bit disappointing). The second time… let's just say the cleaning crew might've been taking the day off. Found a questionable stain on the carpet. And I swear, I saw a dust bunny the size of a small dog. So, the cleanliness? Varied. It's a lottery. Pack some bleach wipes. And don't look *too* closely. Consider it a 'vintage charm' element, like a really old, but still-running, car.
Does the pool look like something out of a zombie movie?
Okay, okay, the pool. This is where things get… interesting. The first time, the pool was a vibrant shade of slightly chlorinated blue. There were kids splashing, sunbathers basking, the whole scene. Seemed normal. The second time? The… color… was unsettlingly opaque. And there was... stuff... floating. Look, I’m not going to claim it was radioactive waste, but my internal alarm bells were ringing. I decided to skip the pool that time. My advice? Inspect it *before* you jump in. Look for… warning signs. Wrinkled toes don't always equate to a good time. The pool is a potential gamble!
Breakfast? Is it even worth the effort?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Okay, so, the first time? The breakfast buffet was… adequate. Cereal, toast, some sad-looking scrambled eggs that I think were trying to escape. Coffee that tasted vaguely of… well, I'm not sure what. But it filled a hole. The second time. Disaster. Complete utter, post-apocalyptic breakfast disaster. The "fresh" fruit looked like it had been sitting in a desert for a week. The coffee was... something else again like it had the wrong water and had been left over for 2 weeks and reheated. I think I saw a rogue fly diving deep into the already empty container. So, is it worth it? Hmm... Look, if you're desperate, maybe. But consider hitting up the nearest fast-food joint. Or just pack a granola bar. You know, just in case you're better off missing out. My stomach... it still shivers a little.
How's the location? Is it close to anything… interesting?
Location, location, location. Well, it's in Hammond, Louisiana. That alone sets the tone. It's… accessible. Close to the interstate, which is a bonus if you're driving. There's a Cracker Barrel nearby. Okay, that's *something*. And… a few fast-food places. It's not exactly a cultural hub. Think of it as a convenient stopping-off point. Not a destination in itself. Unless your destination is… Cracker Barrel. Actually, Cracker Barrel is pretty good, I’ll give them that. The world is not a nice place when you are hungry. Okay, so, location: Functional. Not glamorous. But functional.
Is there a gym? Because I need to work off all of those bad decisions already!
Gym? Oh, the gym. See, this one is a wild card. First time? It was... functional. A treadmill, an elliptical, a few weights that looked like they'd seen better days, and a TV with a scratchy picture. The AC was probably about to die, so maybe the exercise was its own kind of sauna. Second time, I swear, I think the gym had been replaced with a broom closet. I didn’t even see it. Either that, or it had been swallowed by a rogue dust bunny. Or maybe I just completely missed it. I was so worried about the breakfast, I didn't look. So, a gym? Maybe. Depends on the day. Lower your expectations. Bring your own weights, just in case. Or do push-ups in your room. Or drink a lot of water and walk around, if your legs are not tired yet.
Let's hear about the staff. Are they friendly? Do they care?
The staff? Well, this is where things become a bit of a mixed bag. The first time, everyone was super friendly. Helpful, even. Like they were genuinely happy to see you. One lady at the front desk, bless her heart, she was an absolute gem. She even offered me extra towels when she saw me wincing at the state of my current ones. She’s getting a raise for sure. Second time. They probably had been burnt out. Polite. Professional. Perhaps a little… weary. I wouldn’t say they were *unfriendly*, just… dealing with stuff. You know? Like they'd seen some things. So, the staff: Mostly pleasant. Sometimes, they are absolute rock stars. Sometimes, they are just trying to get through their shift without things falling apart completely. Tip well. They deserve it.
The elevator, the ice machine, and how safe is the area?
Alright, this is where things get… very real. The elevator? I’ve had experiences. First time, it was functional. Slowly but surely up and down we went, but there was no issue. Second time? Well, let’s call that a near-death experience. The doorsEscape to Paradise: Green Tree Inn, Fuyang's Hidden Gem!
Post a Comment for "Hammond's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Northshore - Unbelievable Deals!"